News / Development
‘Vital that densities are optimised’ at Galleries redevelopment
The proposed scheme set to replace the Galleries “will totally change the way Castle Park is experienced” according to its developers.
If planning permission is granted, the shopping centre and car park which opened in 1991 will be demolished and on the prime city centre site, hundreds of flats will be built as well as shops, cafes, bars, offices, a hotel and student accommodation.
Developers said that given Bristol’s housing need, “it is vital that densities are optimised”; with the proposed heights of the buildings from eight to 21 storeys.
is needed now More than ever
The proposal would open up one-third of the site currently occupied by the shopping centre for public space, with Newgate also becoming pedestrianised.
Councillors are being recommended to approve the plans at a development control meeting on January 29.
Redevelopment would see 5,000 additional people living and working in the city centre – image: AHMM Architects
A Deeley Freed spokesperson said: “This is a once in lifetime opportunity to reimagine the obsolete shopping centre.
“Our redevelopment would reinvigorate and green the city centre and help Castle Park become the safe, attractive heart of the city it should be.
“The existing issues at the Galleries cannot be resolved without redevelopment.
“There’s a massive over-supply of retail space. It’s an extremely poor and inefficient use of this key city centre location with an enormous building that blocks the city centre from Castle Park.
“Regeneration will only succeed if more people are brought into the city centre to live and work.
“Our scheme would bring more than 5,000 people to live and work in Broadmead.
“There will still be many shops, cafes, bars and restaurants on the ground floor, but with much greater appeal – complementing but not competing with the rest of Broadmead.
“The scheme would also boost the nighttime economy, by creating a place people want to visit after dark, and with a new nighttime venue to support grass roots music in the city centre.”
The Underground music venue is currently accessed via Fairfax Street below the Galleries, underneath which flows the River Frome – photo: The Underground
Main image: AHMM Architects
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